Myanmar was with the military regime secluded by the outside world for years. After a political revolution and definitely after the democratic elections of 2015, the country formerly known as Burma has opened his doors. This offers prospects for the Dutch agricultural sector.
What is going on in Myanmar at the moment?
“The political past was fatal for the cultivation. Many fields have been neglected the past decades; the soil fertility and irrigation have some substantial catching up to do. The production has decreased dramatically, there is no agricultural education going on. There are many possibilities for maximum production of many crops, however. The soil is fertile and there is more than enough water. The climate conditions are excellent for high yields in many parts of the country. Myanmar can export a lot of food to neighbouring countries such as China and India. Myanmar has the potential to become a regional agricultural stronghold.”
Is cultivation an important item on the government’s agenda?
“My opinion is – in all modesty because I haven’t been here long – that the government is prioritizing the agricultural sector. This country has almost 60 million people, of which more than half are still producers. Professionalizing the sector is very good for the economy of this country. In addition, more importantly, the Netherlands is known as a country that could contribute to this development. A lot will be happening in the agricultural sector during the next few years.”
Are there sectors in which there are particular opportunities?
“There are many opportunities for the production of potatoes and vegetables. One of the obstacles is that the agricultural education is on hold. Myanmar has only one agricultural college that has 200 graduates every year. That says a lot.”
Can the Netherlands contribute to education and knowledge development?
“Definitely, this is already happening. Dutch knowledge institutions and businesses work together with partner institutes to improve the education, or to help with the production of potatoes, for example. Super trainers are trained in that context, which in turn train officers who then advise groups of farmers on cultivation techniques and fertilization. This approach leads to higher yields, lower pesticide use and reduced cost.
In other areas, there is collaboration between Myanmar and the Netherlands as well. The Dutch Food and Drug Administration guides the Botanist Service with professionalizing the organization. This is crucial to trigger import and export of agricultural products and raw materials without creating problems in veterinarian or phytosanitary areas.”
Has the Dutch agricultural sector discovered Myanmar yet?
“A large amount of companies are active in this country. The originally Dutch company East-West Seed has an important position on the market of vegetable seeds and Agrico has started supplying seedlings recently. Given the agricultural potential of Myanmar, there are many more possibilities.
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland